#17 – RHP Ryota Igarashi

Why Ranked Here: He’s going to be a MLB bullpen part. While others on the list above him have higher ceilings, barring injury or major collapse, Igarashi, who was one of the harder throwers in Japanese professional baseball will contribute to the 2010 Mets. Igarashi can still dial it up to the mid-90s and toss in a splitter around 90. He and Bobby Parnell should form a pretty nasty pair of RHP firearmers in front of K-Rod. He’s not going to be a star, but if he throws 50+ innings of sub-4.00 ERA ball as he’s done in Japan in every year since 2000, the Mets should be pleased. Of course, MLB is tougher than the NPB.

2009: 3-2-3 saves, 3.19 ERA 44 K in 53.2 IP.

Dr. Pangloss Says: Igarashi helps out what has the potential to be a strong Mets ‘pen in front of K-Rod.